Metro network tender to be launched in 2023

A major tender to construct Bahrain Metro network will be launched during the first quarter of 2023.

“Bids will be invited after announcing the list of consortiums which are qualified to implement the project,” said assistant under-secretary for land transportation Hussein Ali Yacoub.

“The Bahrain Metro, one of the most important strategic projects, aims to provide a developed and sustainable mass transit network in partnership with the private sector,” he said.

He praised the government’s support to the project, which would provide greater guarantees for the private sector to invest in these schemes and ensure their feasibility.

He stressed the importance of the project which, he said, will contribute to providing new types of mass transit, in line with the 2030 Economic Vision.

The pre-qualification tender was issued and closed in May 2022. The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry evaluated 11 bids which were submitted by consortiums that include international and local companies specialising in the field of trains and construction.

“These consortiums are still working on providing some documents and additional requirements that complement the bid submitted until the end of this year,” said Mr Yacoub.

Bahrain Metro has been identified as one of the strategic projects which will be implemented in partnership with the private sector.

The project also features on the list of initiatives of the Economic Recovery Plan for 2021, due to its importance in providing mass transit networks.

Based on previous studies, the ministry had announced that the Bahrain Metro network will be 109km long and developed in phases.

The length of phase I is 29km and it will include 20 stations which will be operated through two lines, where the first line will connect airport to Seef District, while the other line will connect Juffair to educational area in Isa Town.

The ministry has drawn up the metro route for the first phase, which will necessitate the transfer of 20 per cent of the services conflicting with the project.

The ministry has also finished allocating the required budgets for all affected parts of the private lands and issuing an expropriation decision in this regard.

Work is currently underway to end these procedures after the expiry of the legal periods according to Bahrain’s laws.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1146860